Multipurpose rack and method thereof

ABSTRACT

A multipurpose rack comprising a first racking assembly including a first securing portion configured to secure a first portion of a first transportation device, and a second securing portion operably connected to the first securing portion configured to releasably secure a second portion of the first transportation device, a second racking assembly including a first end portion having a clamping assembly, wherein the first end portion includes a lower support frame, a second end portion operably connected to the first end portion and spaced apart from the first end portion, the second end portion removably enclosing another portion of the second transportation is provided. An associated method is also provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/456,803, filed on Aug. 11, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,446,717 issuedon Sep. 20, 2016, entitled “A Multipurpose Rack and Method Thereof,”which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/421,283,filed on Mar. 15, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,800,831 issued on Aug. 12,2014, entitled “A Multi-Purpose Rack and Method Thereof, which is acontinuation-in-part, claiming priority to U.S. Non-provisionalapplication Ser. No. 12/543,646 filed Aug. 19, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No.8,590,758 issued on Nov. 26, 2013, entitled “A Watercraft Rack andMethod of Racking the Same,” with the United States Patent and TrademarkOffice, which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional No. 61/089,960, filedAug. 19, 2008, entitled “Vertical Watercraft Rack.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for racking oneor more watercraft and one or more bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, orother lightweight land vehicles, on a vehicle, and in particular, aRecreational Vehicle and the like.

Related Art

Kayaking, canoeing, boating and related watercraft activities havebecome a very popular recreational activity, sport, and hobby,especially for travelers, adventurers, and families. To fully enjoy andproperly use a kayak, or any watercraft, the watercraft needs to beoperated on a navigable waterway, such as inter alia, a river, lake,stream, ocean, pond, or any body of water. Often times, people have totravel to these waterways to fully enjoy and properly use a kayak, orany watercraft. Popular methods of travel include, inter alia,Recreational Vehicles (“RV”), campers, and trailers. Traveling,especially for long distances, with vehicles of such size and width ofan RV impose a burden on travelers, adventurers, and families who wishto bring a kayak, or any watercraft, along with them while travelingbecause of the difficulties and constraints associated with properly andsecurely affixing the watercraft to a vehicle, in particular, a vehiclewith larger dimensions.

Moreover, it is likely that a traveler would also like to bring one ormore bicycles mopeds, motorcycles, or other lightweight land vehicles.Storing the bicycles inside a RV would take up precious living spacewithin the RV, and transporting bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, or otherlightweight land vehicles, on an RV can be difficult for the samereasons as listed above with respect to kayaks.

Thus, there is a need for an apparatus and method which overcomes theaforementioned deficiencies in the art for racking a watercraft, such asa kayak, along with a bicycle, mopeds, motorcycles, or other lightweightland vehicles, on a vehicle, and in particular, a larger vehicle, suchas, inter alia, a RV.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a watercraft rackcomprising: a first end configured to engage a trailer hitch receiver,wherein said first end accommodates a portion of a watercraft; a secondend spaced apart from said first end, said second end removablyenclosing another portion of said watercraft; and a connecting memberconnecting said first end with said second end.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a watercraft rackcomprising: a lower support unit having a bracing system and a lowersupport member, said lower support member configured to support a firstend of a watercraft; a lower support frame connected to said lowersupport member; an upper support frame having at least two side membersand a locking member to form an enclosure about the second end of thewatercraft; and a vertical frame having a bottom end secured to saidlower support unit, and a top end secured to said upper support frame.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for racking awatercraft comprising: providing a watercraft rack, said watercraft rackincluding a first end having a lower support frame, a connecting memberconnecting said first end to a spaced apart second end, said second endhaving an upper support frame; removably engaging said first end of saidwatercraft rack with a standard trailer hitch receiver; accommodating aportion of a watercraft with said first end; and removably enclosinganother portion of said watercraft within said second end.

A fourth aspect relates generally to a multipurpose rack comprising afirst securing portion configured to secure a first portion of atransportation device, and a second securing portion configured tosecure a second portion of the transportation device, wherein the firstsecuring portion is operably secured to a lower support unit, the lowersupport unit configured to engage a vehicle element.

A fifth aspect relates generally to a multi-purpose rack comprising alower support unit configured to engage a vehicle, a lower support frameoperably connected to the lower support unit, the lower support frameconfigured to accommodate a first portion of a watercraft, an uppersupport frame having at least two side members and a locking member toform an enclosure about a second portion of the watercraft, a trackelement operably connected to the lower support frame, the track elementconfigured to accommodate a first portion of a transportation device,and a securing element proximate the upper support frame, the securingelement configured to engage a second portion of the transportationdevice.

A sixth aspect relates generally to a method of racking a watercraft anda transportation device comprising providing a rack including awatercraft racking portion and a transportation device racking portion,and engaging a vehicle element with a lower support unit of the rack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the embodiments of this invention will be described in detail,with reference to the following figures, wherein like designationsdenote like members wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a vehicle with awatercraft rack;

FIG. 2 depicts a rear view of an embodiment of a vehicle with awatercraft rack;

FIG. 3 depicts a top, rear left perspective view of an embodiment of avehicle with a watercraft rack;

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a vehicle with awatercraft rack;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a watercraft rackattached to a vehicle, wherein a watercraft is in a racked position;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a watercraft rack;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a watercraft rack,wherein the watercraft rack has a separating member;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a watercraft rack;wherein the watercraft rack is configured for larger watercraft;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a watercraft,wherein a guide piece is positioned above the nose cradle;

FIG. 10 depicts a rear perspective view of an embodiment of awatercraft, wherein a guide piece is positioned above the nose cradle;

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a watercraft;

FIG. 12 depicts a rear perspective view of an embodiment of awatercraft;

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of watercraftattached to a vehicle, wherein an embodiment of a watercraft has morethan 2 side members and an extended nose cradle;

FIG. 14 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a lower support system;

FIG. 15 depicts a front view of an embodiment of a lower support system;

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a lower supportsystem;

FIG. 17 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a lower support system;

FIG. 18 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a receiver hitch andbrackets;

FIG. 19 depicts a front view of an embodiment of a standard receiverhitch and an embodiment of a bracing unit;

FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracing unit;

FIG. 21 depicts a side view of a standard receiver hitch and anembodiment of a bracing unit;

FIG. 22 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a method of racking awatercraft;

FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-purposerack;

FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-purposerack supporting one or more transportation devices in a racked position;

FIG. 25A depicts a front perspective view of an embodiment of themulti-purpose rack supporting one or more watercraft and one or moretransportation devices in a racked position; and

FIG. 25B depicts a rear perspective view of an embodiment of themulti-purpose rack supporting one or more watercraft and one or moretransportation devices in a racked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although certain embodiments of the present invention will be shown anddescribed in detail, it should be understood that various changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the scope of theappended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way belimited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof,the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and aredisclosed simply as an example of an embodiment. The features andadvantages of the present invention are illustrated in detail in theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements throughout the drawings.

FIGS. 1-4 depict several views of an embodiment of a watercraft rack100, the watercraft rack 100 being attached to an embodiment of avehicle 300. FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a watercraft rack 100,wherein a watercraft 200 is in a racked position, and the watercraftrack 100 is attached to a vehicle 300. A watercraft 200 may include anydevice that is designed to maintain buoyancy in water and that may beconfigured to accommodate a person or persons. A watercraft 200 mayaccommodate one person, or multiple people at one time while in use on anavigable waterway. The sizes of watercraft 200 vary depending on, interalia, style, manufacturer, desired design characteristics, targetedperformance, etc. Various embodiments of a watercraft 200 may beconfigured with a boat motor, propelling device, or any mechanical orelectrical device that may drive the watercraft 200 in motion throughthe water. Some examples of a watercraft 200 include, inter alia, akayak, a canoe, a row boat, paddle boat, small fishing boat, etc. Avehicle 300 may include any transportation unit which may contain,support, include, or provide a standard receiver hitch 43. In manyvehicle embodiments, the roof of the vehicle 300 may be close to, orabove the height of an average human being, thus making it difficult andinconvenient to secure articles and possessions, such as a watercraft200, to the roof of a vehicle 300. In addition to the height of the roofof the vehicle 300, the width and length of the vehicle 300 may be ofsuch size as to inconvenience a person when trying to secure article andpossessions, such as a watercraft 200. Some examples of a vehicle 300 towhich the various embodiments of watercraft racks 100 may be attached toare Recreational Vehicles (“RV”) such as motor homes; truck campers;trailers; and any oversized vehicle configured with a receiver hitch 43known to those skilled in the art. The receiver hitch 43, or trailerhitch receiver 43, may be located at the rear of the vehicle 300, andmay be of any shape. In one embodiment, the receiver hitch 43 may berectangular. In another embodiment, the receiver hitch 43 may be square.In yet another embodiment, the receiver hitch 43 may be cylindrical. Theshape of the receiver hitch 43 may correspond with the shape of a lowersupport member 51 of a watercraft rack 100. Corresponding to the shapeof a lower support member 51 means that a lower support member 51 can beinserted into the receiver hitch 43 and rest inside the receiver hitch43 without easily slipping out of the receiver hitch 43 or providing aloose fit. The lower support member 51 and lower support unit 41 will bediscussed infra in greater detail.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a watercraft rack 100, which may have afirst end 350 securely engaged with a receiver hitch 43. In manyembodiments, the first end 350 may be configured to attach to a receiverhitch 43 of a vehicle 300 and may provide support for the apparatus 100and a watercraft 200. Alternatively, the first end 350 may be secured tothe vehicle 300, such as welded or affixed to the frame of the vehicle300, welded or affixed to the chassis of the vehicle 300, or the bumperof a vehicle 300. The first end 350 may also accommodate a watercraft200 when placed within the first end 350. Accommodating a watercraft 200means, inter alia, suitably contacting a portion of the watercraft 200such that the watercraft 200 may not freely descend when in a rackedposition 200. The first end 350 may have a nose cradle 62 attachedthereto to further accommodate the watercraft 200 when in a rackedposition 200. Additionally, the first end 350 may or may not include aprotective trough 61 covering a portion of the nose cradle 62. The firstend 350 may have a lower support frame 63 discussed in greater detailinfra. Spaced apart from the first end 350, a second end 150 mayremovably enclose a watercraft 200. The second end 150 may include anupper support frame 1, which may include a back member 6, at least twoside members 11 and 12, and a locking bar 4. When in a racked position400, the second end 150 may removably secure a watercraft 200 with alocking bar 4 discussed in greater detail infra. The second end 150 mayadjust in size to encompass a watercraft 200 of different sizes. Also,the second end 150 may adjust to encompass more than one watercraft 200at a time in the racked position 400.

A connecting member 250 may connect the first end 350 with the secondend 150. The connecting member 250 may be vertically positioned, so thatthe watercraft rack 100 may stand upright. The connecting member 250 mayconnect to the first end 350 and the second end 150 by methods discussedinfra and by methods known to those skilled in the art. The connectingmember 250 may also adjust incrementally or translationally to allow thewatercraft rack 100 to rack watercrafts 200 of different sizes.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the watercraft rack100 is shown. The elements, pieces, members, parts, etc. of the entirewatercraft rack 100, unless specified otherwise, may be made of, interalia, steel, aluminum, stainless steel, hard plastics, such asthermoplastics and thermosets, composite materials, such as fiberglass,or any suitable material known to one of skill in the art. The weight ofthe watercraft rack 100 plus the weight of the watercraft 200 may besupported by the lower support system 41. The lower support system 41may include a lower support member 51 removably connected with astandard receiver hitch 43, a lower bracing unit 42, and a bottom endsecuring member 54.

The lower support member 51 may be inserted into the standard receiverhitch 43 and fastened together by the lower bracing unit 42. FIGS. 14-21depict various embodiments of the lower bracing unit 42. One or morebrackets 65 may be used to secure and fasten the lower support member 51to the standard receiver hitch 43. Vibrations coming from the vehicle300 or variations in the topography and the surface of the ground (e.g.non-paved surfaces or bumps or cavities located in the surface) maycause the watercraft rack 100 to move up and down, potentially damagingthe watercraft 200 enclosed therein. The lower bracing unit 42 maycomprise one or more brackets 65 to help prevent the apparatus 100 frommoving up and down while the vehicle 300 is in motion. An embodimentshown in FIG. 6 includes two brackets 65 fastened to each other withbolts. Other fastening devices and methods known to those skilled in theart may also be used.

In addition to the lower bracing unit 42, a locking pin 59 may be usedto provide a means of securing the lower support member 51 into positioninside the standard receiver hitch 43. Through-hole portions 58 may bedrilled or bored in the connecting ends of both the lower support member51 and the standard receiver hitch 43 to allow a locking pin 59 to beinserted. After properly aligning the through-hole portions 58 of thelower support member 51 and the standard receiver hitch 43, a lockingpin 59 may be inserted through one or more through-hole portions 58,securing the lower support member 51 inside the standard receiver hitch43. A bolted connection or rod inserted therein may also be used forsecuring purposes.

At some point along the lower support member 51, the bottom end of anadjustable vertical frame member 21 may be secured. The bottom end ofthe adjustable vertical frame member 21 may be secured to the lowersupport member 51 by a bottom end securing member 54. It is notmandatory that the adjustable vertical frame member 21 be secured usinga bottom end securing member 51 as shown in the embodiments; it can bedirectly connected to the lower support member 51 through a weldedconnection, or any other fastening method known to those skilled in theart. The lower support member 51 may be square, rectangular, circular,oblong or any functional geometric shape, so long as it can beconfigured to fit inside the receiver hitch 43 of the same geometricshape (e.g. a circular lower support member might not be used with areceiver hitch with a square opening). Accordingly, the bottom endsecuring member 54 may then be of any shape, as long as it can formaround the outside surface of the lower support member 51, and can befastened thereto. The bottom end securing member 54 may also be shapedand positioned to be fastened to the lower support member 51 in variousmethods and arrangements known to those having ordinary skill. The meansfor fastening the bottom end of the adjustable vertical frame member 21to the lower support member 51 may include a bolted connection. In otherembodiments, the adjustable vertical frame 21 may be secured to thelower support member 51 through welding, or may include both boltedconnections and welded connections. In yet another embodiment, thebottom end securing member 54 may contain through-hole portions 49 toprovide yet another method of fastening the bottom end of the adjustablevertical frame member 21 to the lower support member 51. The adjustablevertical frame member 21 may also contain through-hole portions 49 andmay have a slightly smaller cross-section than the bottom end securingmember 54. Other securing methods known to those skilled in the art mayalso be used.

On the opposite the end of the lower support member 51 that fits insidethe receiver hitch 43, the lower support member 51 may be fastened tothe lower support frame 63. Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, the lowersupport frame 63 of watercraft rack 100 may include a rectangular frame,a protective trough 61, a nose cradle 62, and the lower support member51. The lower support frame 63 may be rectangular in shape, and may besized such that a portion of a watercraft 200, such as a kayak, can beplaced therein. In one embodiment, the entire nose of the watercraft maybe placed inside the rectangular frame. To avoid any damage to thewatercraft 200 (e.g. chipping of the outer surface, small dents, etc.),a cushioning material may be attached to the inner edges of the lowersupport frame 63. The width of the lower support frame 63 may be similarto the width of the upper support frame 1 discussed infra. In mostembodiments, the width of the lower support frame 63 should be at leastwide enough for a portion of a watercraft 200 to be placed therein.

Attached to the outer edges of the lower support frame 63 may be aprotective trough 61. The term “trough” is used simply because itresembles the shape of a trough, and is not intended to collect orretain any fluids. The protective trough 61 should not be limited to theordinary meaning and function of a trough. The protective trough 61shall be defined according to the disclosures and embodiments containedherein. The protective trough 61 may be a uniform, planar sheet foldedover from the back of the lower support frame 63 to the front of thelower support frame 63. The protective trough 61 may be flush with thelower support frame 63 when attached, as shown in FIG. 5, and may extendthe width of the lower support frame 63. In the embodiments shown, theprotective trough 61 forms a curved portion underneath the nose cradle62. The protective trough 61 provides, inter alia, protection to thenose cradle 62 and the bow of the watercraft 200 from road debris, roadbumps, and any debris kicked up from the tires of the vehicle 300 or anyother vehicle traveling nearby. The protective trough 61 may be fastenedto the lower support frame 63 with screws, rivets, bolts, nails,construction grade glue, or welded connections.

A portion of the watercraft 200, when in a racked position 400, mayextend inside the lower support frame 63, and come into contact with anose cradle 62. The nose cradle 62 can be attached to the rectangularframe of the lower support frame 63 and converges towards the protectivetrough 61 or towards the ground surface absent a protective trough 61.In one embodiment, the nose cradle 62 is triangular in shape, having twosloped sides, coming to a point. The nose cradle may extend the width ofthe lower support frame 63, and the size may vary to accommodate variouswatercrafts 200. The size of the nose cradle 62 may vary by increasingor decreasing the angle to which the nose cradle 62 opens up. Forexample, if the nose cradle 62 has a wider angle, the portion of thewatercraft 200 placed therein will likely be larger or less narrow.Conversely, if the angle of the nose cradle 62 is decreased, the portionof the watercraft placed therein will likely be smaller or narrower.

Moreover, the lower support frame 63 may be adjustable in a forward orrearward direction to accommodate various sizes of watercraft 200. Toeffectuate the adjustability of the nose cradle 62, the lower supportframe 63 may slide forward or backward along the lower support member51, while the nose cradle 62 is fastened to the lower support frame 63.Because the nose cradle 62 may be fastened to the lower support frame63, the location of the nose cradle 62 may be moved to anywhere alongthe lower support member 51. The sliding motion of the lower supportframe 63 may be accomplished by a roller system, tracks, or any methodknown to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the nose cradle 62 maybe tiltable to accommodate various shapes and sizes of the nose or bowof a watercraft 200, and for convenience of loading a watercraft 200into a watercraft rack 100. Tiltable may be defined as the movement ofthe nose cradle 62 back and forth along an axis perpendicular to thelower support member 51. The nose cradle 62 may be a uniform, planarsurface, or the nose cradle may be mesh netting, or a combinationthereof. Furthermore, the nose cradle 62 can be outfitted with acushioning material to prevent any minor damage to the watercraft 200while in a racked position 400. The nose cradle 62, inter alia, preventsthe watercraft from sliding around while in a racked position 400, andprovides extra support for the weight of the watercraft 200. In additionto being outfitted with a cushioning material, the nose cradle 62 may beoutfitted with a material or a surface that prevents slipping, such astreads, a non-slip surface, or fine sandpaper.

The watercraft rack 100 may hold, rack, mount, support, transport,carry, etc. more than one watercraft 200 at a time while in a rackedposition 400. In many embodiments, the watercraft rack 100 will have atleast two nose cradles 62 to simultaneously encompass at least twowatercrafts 200. When more than one watercraft 200 is placed into thewatercraft rack 100, one watercraft 200 may come into contact with onenose cradle 62, while a second watercraft 200 may come into contact witha second nose cradle 62. Thus, two watercrafts may be in a rackedposition 400 side by side, wherein a portion of each watercraft 200 maycome into contact with its own nose cradle 62,

Furthermore, watercraft rack embodiment 100 may include a ball hitch 68attached to the distal end (relative to the back of a vehicle 300) ofthe lower support member 51. The ball hitch 68 may allow a vehicle 300,such as an RV, to tow another object while still occupying the receiverhitch 43 with the watercraft rack 101. The ball hitch 68 used herein mayalso be modified and configured to be used with other devices known tothose skilled in the art, such as configuring the ball hitch 68 to hanglicense plates, run electric wire to provide a brake light system, etc.

Referring again to FIG. 6, a watercraft rack 100 may have an uppersupport frame 1, which may include at least two side members 11 and 12,at least one back member 6, a locking bar 4, a hinge assembly 3, and alocking mechanism 5. The upper support frame 1 may form a rectangularshape, and should be sized large enough to enclose or encompass anaverage size kayak. However, the size, in particular the depth, of theupper support frame 1 may be adjusted because one or both of the sidemembers 11 and 12 may be slidably adjustable. In general, side members11 and 12 may extend outwardly from the back member 6 to allow awatercraft 200 to be enclosed within the boundaries of the upper supportframe 1. For purposes of simplicity, the examples used hereinincorporate just two adjustable side members 11 and 12. It should beunderstood that there may be more than two side members 11 and 12, whichshall be discussed infra. Side members 11 and 12 may each consist of twoportions, wherein one of the portions has a larger cross-section as toallow the other portion to fit inside, as shown in FIG. 6. The portionof side member 11 and 12 that has a smaller cross-section and fitsinside the other portion may contain through-hole portions. To adjustside members 11 and 12, the through-hole portions located on the sidemembers 11 and 12 may be used to insert a bolt, rod, or locking pinthrough the holes, thus locking the side members 11 and 12 into positionincrementally. The incrementally and horizontal adjustability of theside members 11 and 12 allow a user to vary the depth of the uppersupport frame 1 to a desired dimension, mainly to encompass a watercraft200 of different size and shape. The side members 11 and 12 may also beslidably movable. For example, the side members 11 and 12 mayincorporate a roller and bracket system to allow one portion to slidablyextend inwards and outwards (i.e. horizontally). In another embodiment,side members 11 and 12 may incorporate a ball and dimple system to allowhorizontal adjustment. Any method known to those having skill in the artto allow horizontal adjustment of one or more side members 11 and 12 maybe used. The side members 11 and 12 can be cylindrical, rectangular,triangular, etc.

Connecting one side member 11 to another side member 12 may be a backmember 6. In many embodiments, the back member 6 may attach to the sidemembers perpendicularly, forming a 90° angle. However, in variousembodiments, the beck member 6 may be adjustable similar to one or bothof the side members 11 and 12, discussed supra, to encompass awatercraft 200 of larger dimensions. In still further embodiments, theback member 6 may include a hinge to angularly pivot outwardly at anangle, Ø, to encompass a watercraft 200 of larger or awkward dimensions.Furthermore, the back member 6 may be curved to accommodate variouswatercrafts 200. The connection may be a traditional welded connection,or could involve a hinging mechanism, a bolted connection, or anyreasonable fastening method known to those having skill in the art. Theback member 6 usually corresponds to the same cross-section andgeometric shape as side members 11 and 12. The size (i.e. length) of theback member 6 may determine the width of the watercraft rack 100, whichmust be wider than a small-to-average size watercraft 200. In oneembodiment, the back member 6 may be wide enough to fit one averagesized watercraft 200 within the boundaries of the upper support frame 1.In another embodiment, the back member 6 may wide enough to fit twoaverage sized watercrafts within the boundaries of the upper supportframe 1. In yet another embodiment, the back member 6 may be as wide asto fit more than 2 watercrafts within the boundaries of the uppersupport frame 1. Embodiments of a watercraft rack 100 may not have aback member 6, but may include side members 11 and 12 attached directlyto the adjustable vertical frame 21, which may serve as a connectingmember 250 between the first end 350 and the second end 150 of thewatercraft rack 100. The side members 11 and 12 and the back member 6may be configured with electric wire to allow a brake lighting system,or any other purpose for electric wire, such as decorative or cautionarylights.

Attached to one of the side members 11 and 12, may be a hinge assembly3, which allows a locking bar 4 to enclose a watercraft 200. The hingeassembly 3 may include a ball and socket joint that allowsmulti-directional movement of the locking bar 4. Because the hingeassembly 3 may allow the locking bar 4 to freely move in a circular,multi-directional fashion, the locking bar 4 does not become an obstaclewhen operating the watercraft rack 100. On the contrary, the hingeassembly 3 may be an ordinary hinging assembly known to those skilled inthe art. The hinging assembly 3 may be located on the distal end of aside member 11 opposite the end that is in contact with the back member6. The locking bar 4 may hinge or pivot towards another side member 12,wherein a locking clip 5, located on the distal end of a side member 12opposite the end that is in contact with the back member 6, may helpfasten or securably house the distal end of the locking bar 4. In oneembodiment, the distal end of the locking bar 4 may have a rod, hook,pin, etc. that may fasten to the locking clip 5. In another embodiment,the distal end of the locking bar 4 may have a rod, hook, pin, etc. thatmay be securably housed or in continuous communication with the lockingclip 5. In other embodiments, the locking bar 4 may be completelyremoved from the watercraft rack 100, and the upper support frame 1 maynot contain a hinge assembly 3 or locking mechanism 5. Thus, the lockingbar 4 can open and close as to allow a user to place a watercraft 200into the watercraft rack 100. Closing the locking bar 4 after awatercraft 200 has been placed therein may serve to enclose thewatercraft 200 within the boundaries of the upper support frame 1, and,inter alia, may prevent the watercraft 200 from possibly becomingseparated from the watercraft rack 100 (i.e. falling off, slipping out,tipping over). It may be advantageous to adjust the side members 11 and12 so that when a watercraft 200 is in a racked position 400, and thelocking bar 4 is in the closed position, the watercraft 200 fits snuglywithin the boundaries of the upper support frame 1. Additionally, acable may be attached somewhere on the watercraft rack 100 to wraparound the watercraft 200 to add security. Furthermore, any cushioningmaterial, such as neoprene, rubber, foam, etc. may be affixed to theupper support frame 1 and locking bar 4 to prevent or minimize damage tothe watercraft 200, which may occur if the watercraft 200 is not fitsnugly within the boundaries of the upper support frame 1. In addition,the locking bar 4 and/or the side bars 11, 12 may be replaced by achain, a strap, bungee cord, webbing, rope, or other flexible securementdevice. For example, a winch may be used to pull the device to besecured in a taught manner.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, an adjustable vertical frame member21 may connect the lower support member 51 and lower support frame 63with the upper support frame 1, and may vertically extend a distancebeginning from the receiver hitch 43 to at or near the roof of a vehicle300. As described supra, the adjustable vertical frame member 21attaches to the lower support member 51 via the bottom end securingmember 54. The adjustable vertical frame member 21 attaches to the uppersupport frame 1 via a top end securing member 55, in a similar fashionas the bottom end securing member 54 discussed supra. The adjustablevertical frame member 21 may consist of two portions, one portion havinga smaller cross section than the other as to allow the portion with thesmaller cross section to fit snugly inside the other portion. Bothportions of the adjustable vertical frame member 21 may havethrough-hole portions drilled or bored so as to allow a rod, bolt, orlocking pin to be inserted therein. A user may slide one portion of theadjustable vertical frame 21 up or down to a desired height, and inserta rod, bolt, or locking pin through the through-hole portions to lockthe adjustable vertical frame member 21 into place. Thus, the adjustablevertical frame member 21 can be incrementally adjusted up or down tocorresponding to the height of the watercraft 200. For example, theheight adjustable vertical frame member 21 could be raised to encompassa taller or larger watercraft 200. Conversely, the height of theadjustable vertical frame member 21 could be lowered to encompass ashorter or smaller watercraft 200. Furthermore, the height of theadjustable vertical frame member 21 could be raised or lower for theconvenience of the user (e.g. shorter person might lower the height tomore easily secure the watercraft into position.). In anotherembodiment, the adjustable vertical frame member 21 may be slidablymovable. For example, the adjustable vertical frame member 21 mayincorporate a roller and bracket system to allow one portion to slidablyextend up or down (i.e. vertically). In another embodiment, theadjustable vertical frame member 21 may incorporate a ball and dimplesystem to allow vertical adjustment. Any method known to those havingskill in the art to allow vertical or translational adjustment may beused. The adjustable vertical frame member 21 can be cylindrical,rectangular, triangular, etc, but should substantially correspond to theshapes of both the top end securing member 55 and the bottom endsecuring member 54. The adjustable vertical member 21 need not beadjustable; it may nonetheless be a rigid, solid member.

Referring now to FIG. 7, somewhere along the back member 6, a separatingmember 7 may be perpendicularly attached. The separating member 7 mayextend outward from the back member 6 a distance toward the locking bar4. In one embodiment, the separating member 7 may be rigidly fastened tothe back member 6. In another embodiment, the separating member 7 may befastened in such a way as to allow horizontal movement along the backmember 6. Such a fastening device may include a bracket and bolt,wherein the bolt can be loosened to allow the bracket to be repositionedat another location on the back member, and tightened when in a desiredlocation. The separating member 7 may or may not be present in thewatercraft rack 100 when the watercraft 200 is in the racked position400. The separating member 7 can, inter alia, minimize movement of thewatercraft 200 while in the racked position 400, and may be beneficialwhen two or more watercrafts 200 are present in the watercraft rack 100.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an embodiment of a watercraft rack 102 isshown. One difference between watercraft rack embodiment 100 andwatercraft rack embodiment 102 is that the lower support frame 60 hasmore of a squared orientation. Additionally, the nose cradle 69 inwatercraft rack 102 has a 90° clockwise orientation of the nose cradle62 in watercraft rack 100, or some other angled orientation with respectto the direction of the lower support member 51. The protective trough61 may or not be present in watercraft rack 102. Also, the separatingmember 7 may or may not be present in watercraft rack 102. Watercraftrack 102 may be beneficial when desiring to rack, carry, transport,mount, and/or support a larger watercraft 200 on a vehicle. For example,the types of watercraft 200 that may benefit from watercraft 102include, inter alia, a canoe, row boat, or small fishing boat.

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of a watercraft 103, wherein a guide piece65 is positioned above the nose cradle 62. The guide piece 85 may becurved or arced to facilitate the entry of a nose or bow of a watercraft200 into the nose cradle 62. The guide piece 85 may be fastened to thelower support frame 63. Moreover, the guide piece 85 may be constructedout of aluminum, steel, composite, plastic, or any material sufficientlyrigid to accept contact from a watercraft 200 and not bend.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an embodiment of watercraft rack 104 is shown.FIG. 13 embodies a watercraft rack 103 wherein a third or more sidemember 11′ and 12′, and second or more back member 6′ may be used.Additionally, watercraft rack 104 may extend the lower support frame 63horizontally to allow another watercraft 200 to be placed therein.Extending the lower support frame 63 also may include extending the nosecradle 62 and the protective trough 61 to securely support multiplewatercrafts 200.

Depicted in FIG. 22 is an embodiment of a method of racking awatercraft. A method of racking a watercraft 200 may comprise the stepsof providing a watercraft rack 100 including a first end 350 having alower support frame 63, a connecting member connecting the first end 350to a spaced apart second end 150, the second end 150 having an uppersupport frame 1; removably engaging the first end 150 of the watercraftrack 100 with a standard receiving hitch 68; accommodating a portion ofa watercraft 200 with the first end 150; and removably enclosing anotherportion of the watercraft 200 within the second end 350. In oneembodiment, the watercraft 200 may be lifted and the nose of thewatercraft 200 may be placed in contact with the guide piece 85 or thenose cradle 62. Thereafter, the watercraft may be lifted towards theupper support frame 1 until the watercraft comes into contact with theback member 6. Then, the watercraft may be removably enclosed by thelocking bar 4 and secured into place in its racked position 400.

The various parts, components, members, etc. of a watercraft rack 100may be constructed with steel, aluminum, composites, hard plastics,similar structures and the like. The following examples represent onlyone embodiment of the watercraft rack 100, and in no way limits thedesign, structure, materials, or dimensions, of the invention, and thosewith skill in the art appreciate that different sizes and materials canbe used in accordance with the invention. In one embodiment, the uppersupport frame may consist of 1 to 2″ square stainless steel tubing witha gage thickness of ⅛″ to ¼″. The locking bar 4 may consist of 1 to 1½″square stainless 304 steel tubing with a gage thickness of 3/16″. Theadjustable vertical frame 21 may consist of 2 to 2½″ square stainlesssteel tubing with a gage thickness of ¼″. The brackets 65 may consist of½″ thick cold rolled steel to ⅜″ thick cold rolled steel. The lowersupport frame member 51 may consist of 2½″ to 3″ square steel with agage thickness of ¼″. The nose cradle 62 may consist of 16-gage to20-gage stainless steel. Furthermore, the various members, componentsand the like may be hollow, tubular, or semi-solid.

Continuing to refer to the drawings, FIG. 23 depicts an embodiment of amulti-purpose rack 1000. Embodiments of the rack 1000 may include thesame or substantially the same structure and function as rack 100, 101,102 described supra. However, rack 1000 may also include atransportation device racking portion 600. In other words, embodimentsof the multi-purpose rack 1000 may include the same components as thewatercraft rack 100, 101, 102 to effectively rack one or more watercraft300, yet may also include a transportation device racking portion 600 toeffectively rack a bicycle, or other means of transportation having atleast one wheel. Embodiments of rack 1000 may include one or moretransportation device racking portions 600. For example, rack 1000 mayinclude two transportation device racking portions 600 to accommodatetwo transportation devices 700, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25A-25B.Embodiments of rack 1000 should not be limited to two transportationdevice racking portions 600; there may be more than two mounted ontorack 1000 to accommodate more than two transportation means 700,especially if a user decides to not rack a kayak, or rack only a singlekayak, which may free up space for the addition of more transportationdevices 700. Embodiments of a transportation device 700 may be abicycle, cycle, mountain bike, dirt bike, BMX bike, moped, or anytransportation means that includes at least one tire or wheel.Furthermore, rack 1000 may be configured to engage a vehicle element,such as a receiver or trailer hitch located at a rear of a RV, similarto rack 100, 101, 102. Furthermore, embodiments of rack 1000 may includea lower support unit 41 configured to engage a vehicle 300, a lowersupport frame 63 operably connected to the lower support unit 41, thelower support frame 63 configured to accommodate a first portion of awatercraft 200, an upper support frame 1 having at least two sidemembers 11, 12 and a locking member 4 to form an enclosure about asecond portion of the watercraft 200, a track element 640 operablyconnected to the lower support frame 63, the track element 640configured to accommodate a first portion of a transportation means 700,and a securing element 630 proximate the upper support frame 1, thesecuring element 630 configured to engage a second portion of thetransportation means 700.

Embodiments of a transportation device racking portion 600 may include afirst securing portion 610 and a second securing portion 620. Forinstance, embodiments of the transportation device racking portion 600may include a first securing portion 610 configured to secure a firstportion of a transportation device 700, a second securing portion 620configured to secure a second portion of the transportation device 700.Embodiments of the transportation device racking portion 600, inparticular, the first securing portion 610 may be operably secured to alower support unit 41, the lower support unit 41 configured to engage avehicle element, such a receiver hitch of a RV. Securing may refer toany device which attaches, fixes, fastens, holds, or anchors in place.

Embodiments of the transportation device racking portion 600 may includea first securing portion 610. Embodiments of the first securing portion610 of the transportation device racking portion 600 may have a firstend 611, a second end 612, and a track element 640. The track element640 may be a structural member configured to attach to the lower supportframe 63, 60 having an opening extending through the length of the trackelement 640, wherein the lower support frame 63, 60 is attached to thelower support unit 41. Embodiments of the track element 640 may includeat least two side walls 642, and a track 643. The track element 640 maybe a track, guide, groove, channel, conduit, rail, and the like,configured to secure, hold, or fasten a first portion of thetransportation device 700. For example, the track element 640 mayaccommodate, receive, support, engage, secure, etc., a tire or wheel ofa bicycle; a tire of a bicycle or other transportation device 700 mayrest upon the track 643, while the side walls 642 may act as a guiderail for the tire or wheel of the transportation device 700. Embodimentsof the track element 640 may help support the weight of thetransportation device 700 and prevent slippage or unwanted movement ofthe transportation device 700, especially when the rack 1000 is mountedto the RV during transit. For example, the track element 640 may includea lock or security device to further prevent movement, or theft duringtransportation, parking, idling, etc. Further, the track element 640 mayinclude one or more straps to secure the wheel or a first portion of thetransportation device 700 to the first securing portion 610. Moreover,the second end 612 of the first securing portion 610 may be structurallyconnected to the second end 622 of the second securing portion 620. Inone embodiment, the second end 612 of the first securing portion 610 maybe structurally integral with the second end 622 of the second securingportion 620. In another embodiment, the second end 612 of the firstsecuring portion 610 may be connected via a fastening device(s) with thesecond end 622 of the second securing portion 620. In yet anotherembodiment, the first securing portion 610 may not be physicallyfastened to the second securing portion 620, wherein the first securingportion 610 is connected only to the lower support frame 63, and thesecond securing portion 620 is connected only to the lower support frame63 and/or the upper support frame 1. Embodiments of the first securingportion 610 may extend a distance from the second securing portion 620;the distance the first securing portion 610 extends from the secondsecuring portion 620, or length of the first securing portion 610, mayvary according to the size of the transportation device 700 intended tobe racked, and/or the size of the lower frame assembly 63, 60.Furthermore, embodiments of track element 640 may include a slotproximate or otherwise near the second end 612 end of the first securingportion 610. The slot may allow a cross-bar to slide back or forward toset the proper angle for the water craft nose angle; once the properangle is obtained, the bolts through the slot may then be tightened.Embodiments of the first securing portion 610 may be comprised ofmetals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and hard plastics, compositematerials, or a combination thereof. Those having skill in the requisiteart should appreciate that various materials may be used to form therigid body of the first securing member 610. For instance, embodimentsof the first securing portion 610 may be made of ⅛″- 3/16″ aluminum, orsteel 1/16″ thick, and the track element 640 may be 2″ to 2½″ wide insome embodiments.

Embodiments of the transportation device racking portion 600 may includea second securing portion 620. Embodiments of the second securingportion 620 of the transportation device racking portion 600 may includea first end 621, a second end 622, and a securing element 630 proximatethe first end 621. Embodiments of the second securing portion 620 may bea vertical frame member 625, wherein the vertical frame member 625 maybe adjustable in height. For instance, the vertical frame member 625 maybe a rigid structural member that is configured to extend vertically andperpendicularly (or approximately perpendicularly) from the firstsecuring portion 610 a distance. The distance the second securingportion 620, or the vertical frame member 625, extends (i.e. size of thevertical frame member 625) upward from the first securing portion 610,or the lower support frame 63 if the second securing portion 620 is notphysically connected to the first securing portion 610, may varydepending on the size or length of the transportation device 700. Thesecond securing portion 620 may extend at least a sufficient distance toallow for attachment to the upper support frame 1, as shown in FIG. 23.For instance, the second securing portion 620 may be operably connectedto the upper support frame 1 through a welded connection, a bracket, orcomparable fastening means and/or the second securing portion 620 may beoperably connected to the lower support frame 63 through a weldedconnection, a bracket, or comparable fastening means Furthermore, aplurality of openings 629 may be located on the second securing portion620 proximate or otherwise near the first end 621 of the second securingportion 620. The plurality of openings 629 may be openings, holes,bores, through-holes, and the like, configured to facilitate attachmentof a securing element 630. The securing element 630 may be operablystructurally connected to the second securing portion 620 proximate thefirst end 621 through cooperation with one or more of the plurality ofopenings 629. Because there is a plurality of openings 629 at differentlocations along the second securing portion 620, a user may place one ormore securing elements 630 at various heights to accommodate varioussizes of the transportation device 700. Alternatively, the frame members625 may telescope to accommodate different sizes and heights.Embodiments of the securing element 630 may secure, hold, engage, grip,hook, lock, etc., a second portion of the transportation means 700 toprevent unwanted movement of the transportation device in a rackedposition. Embodiments of the securing element 630 may be a hook, clip,fastener, loop, clasp, or similar mechanical component that canremovably enter one or more of the plurality of openings 629 at one end,and hook, secure, grip, etc. a portion of the transportation device 700.In one embodiment, the securing element 630 is a hook element or hookingportion that can cooperate with the opening 629 to prevent unwanteddislodgement of the securing element 630. For instance, the securingelement 630 may include a bore that accepts a bolt once the securingelement 630 is pushed into the opening 629 a certain distance. Moreover,embodiments of the securing element 630 may be a 5/16″ bike hook withone end threaded to allow it to enter any one of the plurality ofopenings 629; this allows a person to hook one end and then easily rollthe transportation device 700 into place and then strap thetransportation device 700 into place while the securing element 630holds the transportation device 700 into place. Those having skill inthe art should appreciate that various means to lock the securingelement 630 to the first end 621 of the second securing portion 620 maybe implemented. Moreover, embodiments of the second securing portion 620may be comprised of metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and hardplastics, composite materials, or a combination thereof. Those havingskill in the requisite art should appreciate that various materials maybe used to form the rigid body of the second securing member 620. Forinstance, embodiments of the second securing portion 620 may be made of⅛″- 3/16″ aluminum, or steel 1/16″ thick, and the track element 640 maybe 2″ to 2½″ wide in some embodiments.

FIG. 24 depicts an embodiment of the multi-purpose rack 1000, whereintwo separate transportation devices 700 are in a racked position. In theracked position, a first portion of the transportation device 700, suchas a front or rear tire or wheel, may engage the track element 640 ofthe first securing portion 610. For instance, a front tire or wheel of atransportation device 100 may be placed between the side walls 642 andonto the track 643 of the track element 630 of the first securingportion 610. Furthermore, in the racked position, a second portion ofthe transportation device 700, such as a front tire or wheel, may besecured by the securing element 630 proximate the first end 621 of thesecond securing portion 620. For instance, a rear tire or wheel of atransportation device 700 may be hooked by the securing element 630 toprevent unwanted movement of the transportation device 700 during travelof the RV to which the rack 1000 is attached. In the racked position,the second portion of the transportation devices 700, or another portionthereof, may be surrounded by the upper support frame 1. As shown inFIG. 23, rack 1000 may include two transportation device rackingportions 600.

FIGS. 25A and 25B depict an embodiment of the multi-purpose rack 1000,wherein two separate transportation devices 700 and two separatewatercraft 200 are in a racked position in a single racking device 1000.In most embodiments, the transportation devices 700 may be positionedbetween the watercraft 200. Moreover, the locking bar 4 may be open andclosed to form an enclosure around the transportation devices 700 andthe watercraft 200.

With reference to FIGS. 1-25B, a method of racking a watercraft 200 anda transportation device 700 may include the steps of providing a rack1000 including a watercraft racking portion and a transportation deviceracking portion 600, and engaging a vehicle element with a lower supportunit 41 of the rack 1000. The watercraft racking portion may beembodiments of rack 100, 101, 102, with the exception of the lowersupply unit 41. In other words, the watercraft racking portion mayinclude some or all of the components described in association with rack100, 101, 102, wherein the watercraft racking portion is operablyconnected to the lower support unit 41.

Various modifications and variations of the described apparatus andmethod will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention. Although this invention hasbeen described in connection with specific embodiments, outlined above,it should be understood that the invention should not be unduly limitedto such specific embodiments. Various changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multipurpose rack comprising: a first rackingassembly for racking a first transportation device, the first rackingassembly comprising: a first securing portion configured to secure afirst portion of a first transportation device for minimizing a movementof the first transportation device; and a second securing portionoperably connected to the first securing portion configured to secure asecond portion of the first transportation device; and a second rackingassembly for racking a second transportation device, the second rackingassembly comprising: a first end portion having a clamping assembly forengaging a receiver of a vehicle; a second end portion securing anotherportion of the second transportation; wherein the first rack assemblyand the second rack assembly form the multipurpose rack, themultipurpose rack being removably mounted to the vehicle via theclamping assembly, such that gap exists between a surface of the vehicleand the first end portion of the second racking assembly, to verticallymount at least one of: the first transportation device, the secondtransportation device, and both the first transportation device and thesecond transportation device.
 2. The multipurpose rack of claim 1,wherein the clamping assembly includes a lower support member removablyconnected with a standard receiver, a lower bracing unit, and a bottomend securing member.
 3. The multipurpose rack of claim 1, wherein thesecond racking assembly includes a securing element having a hookingportion to resist unwanted movement of the first transportation devicein a racked position.
 4. The multipurpose rack of claim 1, wherein thefirst transportation means is a bicycle, and the second transportationdevice is a watercraft.
 5. The multipurpose rack of claim 1, wherein thesecond securing portion of the first racking assembly is operablyconnected to an upper support frame of the first end portion of thesecond racking assembly.
 6. The multipurpose rack of claim 1, whereinthe lower support frame supports two cradles and two track elements. 7.A multi-purpose rack comprising: a lower support system configured toengage a vehicle, the lower support system including one or morebrackets to secure and fasten a lower support member to a receiver of amotor vehicle; a lower support frame operably connected to the lowersupport unit, the lower support frame configured to accommodate a firstportion of a first transportation device; an upper support receivinganother portion of the first transportation device; a track elementoperably connected to the lower support frame, the track elementconfigured to accommodate a wheel of a second transportation device; andat least one vertical frame member operably connected to the uppersupport frame at a first end of the at least one vertical frame member,the at least one vertical frame member operably connected to the trackelement at a second end of the at least one vertical frame member;wherein the multi-purpose rack is removably mounted to the motor vehicleonly via the lower support member to vertically mount at least one of:the first transportation device, the second transportation device, andboth the first transportation device and the second transportationdevice.
 8. The multi-purpose rack of claim 7, wherein the lower supportframe has at least one cradle positioned therein.
 9. The multi-purposerack of claim 8, wherein the wherein at least one cradle is attached tothe lower support frame, the at least one cradle having a first wallwith a first end and a second end, and a second wall with a first endand a second end, the second end of the first wall and the second end ofthe second wall are connected, and the first end of the first wall isattached to a first portion of the lower support frame and the first endof the second wall is attached to a second portion of the lower supportframe, further wherein the first portion of the lower support frame isparallel to and spaced a distance away from the second portion of thelower support frame.
 10. The multi-purpose rack of claim 7, wherein asecuring element includes a hooking portion at one end, and cooperateswith one of a plurality of openings on the vertical frame member toconnect to the vertical frame member.
 11. The multi-purpose rack ofclaim 7, wherein the track element includes at least two side walls anda track to prevent slippage of the wheel of the second transportationdevice.
 12. The multi-purpose rack of claim 7, wherein the firsttransportation device is a watercraft.
 13. The multi-purpose rack ofclaim 7, wherein the lower support frame supports two cradles and twotrack elements.
 14. The multi-purpose rack of claim 7, wherein the uppersupport frame includes at least two side members that cooperate with thelocking member to form an enclosure about the first transportationdevice and the second transportation device when in a vertical positionon the multipurpose rack.
 15. A method of racking a watercraft and atransportation device comprising: vertically mounting a firsttransportation device and a second transportation device to a rear endof a recreational vehicle utilizing the multipurpose rack of claim 1.